Councilor Christman made and Councilor Elliott seconded the motion to approve the May 9, 2016 minutes as presented. Motion passed unanimously.

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

PUBLIC WORKS: Ronnie Neil reported that he had Fred LaChance do our spraying this year as the County was not available. Ronnie stated that we mailed tall grass and weed letters, streets are being painted and the new parks position started the first of the month. Ronnie stated that the Water project is going well. The reservoir is ready to go and will be filling the first of July, the old one will be taken off line for some work. Ronnie stated that the project is 75% complete. They have replaced 52 fire hydrants and added 90 new ones. There are 235 new valves in the system. Our budget was about $3,972,000 and we have spent $3,200,000 so far. Ronnie stated that he would like to use the funds not spent by doing street maintenance.

Mayor Lear asked about the painting of Main Street, they closed the street this time until it dried. Ronnie stated it worked real well, the cones tend to be confusing to some people.

Thorpe Lane is still not figured out in regards to the historic flume but as soon as the State makes their determination we can complete that area.

Library – Denine reported that the project is going well, getting down to the final legs of it.

Office – Michele stated that they did take action on the property on the hill behind the Eagle View Inn and Suites. If they tall grass is not cut we will hire someone and place a lien on the property. Michele stated that they also have had an issue with some chickens, the police are taking care of that.

Police – Joel reviewed his report. He has been scheduling his two man crew a so they can work together to get some things done Wed-Sat. They will get back on track soon. They are concentrating on drugs at this time. He has 5 applications for patrol and hopes to get someone hired soon.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Mayor Lear stated that he would like to present a consolidation of some of the committees to gather better attendance by the Council.

OLD BUSINESS

Warde Park Tree – Ronnie feels that if we are going to put the kind of money we are proposing into Ward Park, that he would like to see this tree come down. He has estimates of $525 from Sinclair to remove tree, clean up plus $225 to grind stump; Executive Tree Care $125 to remove, but not the stump. Trouble Tree Service $550 for everything.

Councilor Elliott stated it is purely for where we are wanting to go with Warde Park, it is not conducive to the use of the park. Councilor Christman made and Councilor Word seconded the motion to remove the tree in question, have Executive Tree Care remove the tree and Sinclair to grind the stump since those two activities were bid separately. Motion passed unanimously.

NEW BUSINESS

Joseph Trail Branch consortium

Ralph Swinehart, representing WURA (Wallowa Union Railroad Assoc.) wants to apply for a FLAP grant. They are asking for a letter of support. The consensus of the Council was to direct Michele to write the letter for the Mayor’s signature.

Resolution No. 602:

Mayor Lear read Resolution No. 602, A Resolution acting on the Request of the Wallowa Union Railroad Authority to Approve an Amendment to the Intergovernmental Agreement. Councilor Christman made and Councilor Word seconded the motion. Michele took a Roll Call vote which resulted in a Unanimous Vote.

Wallowa Valley Center for Wellness Rezone adoption.

Michele presented to the Council the Findings and Conclusion document as well as Ordinance No. 583 adopting the Re-Zone of Property as approved by the City Council at the May 9, 2016 City Council Meeting.

Councilor Christman made and Councilor Elliott seconded the motion to approve the Findings and Conclusion as presented. Motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Lear read by title Ordinance No. 583, An Ordinance amending the Combined Land Use Plan Map and Zoning Map to Effect a Re-zone of Tax Lot 400, Map 01S44E35CA from R-3 to C-1. Councilor Word made and Councilor Christman seconded the motion. Michele took a Roll Call vote which resulted in a unanimous vote.

Event Permit:

Main Street Show & Shine: Councilor Christman made and Councilor Word seconded the motion to approve the Main Street Show & Shine permit for August 19th & 20th as presented. Motion passed unanimously.

Pioneer Guest Home – Councilor Elliott made and Councilor Word seconded the motion to approve the Pioneer Guest Home Diabetes Walk on September 17. Motion passed unanimously.

Liquor License Approvals

Darrel Brann OK Theatre – Darrel Brann presented an application for a permanent Beer and Wine license with OLCC for the OK Theatre. Councilor Elliott asked if it is necessary to operate this way. Mayor Lear stated that it is an entertainment venue. Councilor Christman made and Councilor Word seconded the motion to approve the Liquor License for Darrel Brann of the OK Theatre. Motion passed unanimously.

Lear’s Pub & Grill: Steve Lear representing himself as owner of Lear’s Main Street Pub stated that since 2003 he has tried to sell his place. He has had people interested in leasing. He is not going to lease without a substantial investment so the individual that is wanting the Liquor License ownership transfer has not been completed the Lease requirement. He would like the application tabled until next month. No action taken.

Smoking in Public Places:

Michele stated that she has received a few calls from Janet Pulsifer regarding people smoking in the alley. She would like to see the city provide a location for people to smoke. Michele is opposed to moving anyone on to city property so they can smoke. Most of the people smoking are tenants of hers and of the Pioneer Guest Home. Michele stated that the smokers can stay on their side of the alley if they want to smoke. Michele asked the Council if they would consider prohibiting smoking on City properties. Councilor Elliott felt it was not enforceable.

No action was taken by the City Council.

South Street – Street Vacation

Michele stated that old Fieldhouse at the football field that burned down last year was found to be partially in public right of way. Through many conversations it has come down to Building Codes not issuing a building permit unless we vacate the area in question. Michele stated that South Street has a 90’ wide right of way, the existing fence is out 13’ in the public right of way. Michele stated that the Planning Commission is recommending to the City Council that the city initiate a 15’ street vacation on the south side of South Street abutting the football field.

Councilor Christman made and Councilor Word seconded the motion for the city to initiate the street vacation as described for a public hearing at next month’s meeting. Motion passed unanimously.